Cuisine Risk Profiles
Different cuisines present different allergen challenges. These profiles help you understand the common allergens, hidden dangers, and safer choices for popular world cuisines — so you can plan your meals with more confidence.
Understanding Risk Levels
This allergen is commonly used and hard to avoid in this cuisine.
This allergen appears regularly but can usually be avoided with care.
This allergen is uncommon in this cuisine but may occasionally appear.
Cuisine Profiles
Thai Cuisine
Southeast AsiaThai cuisine relies heavily on peanuts, fish sauce, and shrimp paste. Nut and shellfish allergies require particular caution.
Allergen Risk Levels
Safer Choices
- ✓Grilled meats (specify no sauce/marinade)
- ✓Steamed rice with simple vegetable dishes
- ✓Fresh spring rolls (if confirmed peanut-free)
- ✓Papaya salad (confirm no dried shrimp or fish sauce)
Hidden Dangers
- ⚠Shrimp paste in curry pastes — even vegetable curries
- ⚠Fish sauce added to dishes not listed on menu
- ⚠Crushed peanuts as garnish on many dishes
- ⚠Shared woks and frying oil
Japanese Cuisine
East AsiaJapanese cuisine features soy, fish, and shellfish prominently. Japan has strong allergen labelling laws for packaged food, but restaurants vary.
Allergen Risk Levels
Safer Choices
- ✓Plain grilled fish or meat (yakitori without sauce)
- ✓Plain steamed rice (gohan)
- ✓Edamame (soy allergy excepted)
- ✓Fresh sashimi (confirm no soy sauce needed)
Hidden Dangers
- ⚠Dashi (fish stock) in miso soup, sauces, and simmered dishes
- ⚠Soy sauce in virtually all marinades and dressings
- ⚠Shared tempura frying oil
- ⚠Buckwheat (soba) — a less common but serious allergen
Chinese Cuisine
East AsiaChinese cuisine is incredibly diverse by region. Soy, sesame, peanuts, and shellfish are widespread. Communication can be challenging.
Allergen Risk Levels
Safer Choices
- ✓Steamed rice with plainly cooked vegetables
- ✓Clear broths (confirm ingredients)
- ✓Steamed fish (confirm no soy sauce)
- ✓Fresh fruit for dessert
Hidden Dangers
- ⚠Oyster sauce added to many vegetable and meat dishes
- ⚠Peanut oil as default cooking oil
- ⚠Sesame oil drizzled as finishing flavour
- ⚠MSG and stock powders may contain allergens
Indian Cuisine
South AsiaIndian cuisine uses dairy, nuts, and legumes extensively. Many dishes are naturally vegetarian, but nut and dairy allergies require extra caution.
Allergen Risk Levels
Safer Choices
- ✓Tandoori dishes (dry-cooked, less likely to contain nuts/cream)
- ✓Plain rice and dal (lentils — check for ghee)
- ✓Dosa and idli (rice and lentil based — check for nut chutney)
- ✓Vegetable dishes cooked in oil rather than ghee
Hidden Dangers
- ⚠Ghee (clarified butter) used even in 'dairy-free' looking dishes
- ⚠Cashew paste used to thicken sauces
- ⚠Nut garnish on biryani and desserts
- ⚠Cross-contamination in shared tandoor oven
Italian Cuisine
EuropeItalian cuisine centres on wheat, dairy, and eggs. Italy has surprisingly strong coeliac awareness, with widespread gluten-free options.
Allergen Risk Levels
Safer Choices
- ✓Gluten-free pasta (widely available in Italy)
- ✓Grilled meat or fish (confirm no breadcrumbs)
- ✓Risotto (naturally gluten-free, but check stock and butter)
- ✓Gelato shops often label allergens clearly
Hidden Dangers
- ⚠Breadcrumbs in meatballs and escalopes
- ⚠Shared pasta cooking water
- ⚠Pine nuts in pesto (not always listed)
- ⚠Egg in fresh pasta vs dried pasta (dried is usually egg-free)
Mexican Cuisine
Latin AmericaMexican cuisine is naturally corn-based, which benefits those with wheat allergies. However, dairy and nut allergies need attention.
Allergen Risk Levels
Safer Choices
- ✓Corn tortillas with grilled meat (tacos without sauce)
- ✓Guacamole and fresh salsa with corn chips
- ✓Rice and beans (confirm no dairy or lard)
- ✓Ceviche (confirm no nut-based dressings)
Hidden Dangers
- ⚠Mole sauces contain nuts, chocolate, and sometimes sesame
- ⚠Lard used in refried beans and some tortillas
- ⚠Cheese and cream added as garnish after cooking
- ⚠Flour tortillas may replace corn in tourist areas
Middle Eastern Cuisine
Middle EastMiddle Eastern cuisine uses sesame, nuts, and dairy generously. Hummus, tahini, and nut-based sweets are everywhere.
Allergen Risk Levels
Safer Choices
- ✓Grilled kebabs without sauces
- ✓Rice dishes (confirm no nut garnish)
- ✓Fattoush salad (confirm no tahini dressing)
- ✓Fresh fruit and simple grilled vegetables
Hidden Dangers
- ⚠Tahini (sesame paste) in dips, sauces, and dressings
- ⚠Crushed nuts as garnish on main courses and desserts
- ⚠Nut-based pastries (baklava) in shared kitchen environments
- ⚠Bulgur wheat in tabbouleh and kibbeh
French Cuisine
EuropeFrench cuisine is rich in dairy, wheat, and eggs. The EU's strict allergen labelling laws (FIC regulation) apply, making France relatively allergy-aware.
Allergen Risk Levels
Safer Choices
- ✓Grilled steak or fish (confirm no butter sauce)
- ✓Salad niçoise (omit specific allergens)
- ✓Ratatouille (naturally dairy and gluten free)
- ✓Ask for sauce on the side
Hidden Dangers
- ⚠Butter added to everything, even grilled items
- ⚠Flour-based roux in many sauces
- ⚠Mustard in salad dressings (Dijon is ubiquitous)
- ⚠Egg wash on bread and pastry
How to Use This Guide
- 1Check before you travel — Look up the cuisine of your destination to understand which allergens are most common.
- 2Focus on high-risk allergens — If your allergen is rated 'high' for a cuisine, prepare extra communication tools.
- 3Learn hidden dangers — Many allergens are used in ways you might not expect — sauces, oils, and garnishes.
- 4Use safer choices as a starting point — These are dishes that tend to be simpler to adapt, but always confirm with the venue.
Disclaimer: Cuisine risk profiles are general guidance based on typical ingredients. Individual dishes and restaurants vary widely. Always confirm ingredients directly with the venue, carry emergency medication, and consult your doctor before travelling with food allergies.